It had been more than half a month since Tianlin and Ning Rongrong took the pills and leveled up. They hadn't immediately gone to hunt for soul rings, as if waiting for something.

Not long ago, the Skydream Iceworm finally began to implement its plan against Tang Hao.

The first step was unexpected: helping Tang Hao recover from his injuries. It had Tianlin make a bottle of pills sufficient to ease Tang Hao's wounds and had Bai Chenxiang deliver them.

As long as Bai Chenxiang told Tang Hao that the pills were sent by her grandfather, Bai He, no issues would arise.

As Bai He was Tang Hao's elder, it was only natural for him to care, even after joining the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

At the time, Tai Tan had accepted the pills with suspicion. Even though Bai He was family, he couldn't fully trust anyone connected to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, which he now hated.

Unfortunately, Tang San had gone to the Star Dou Forest to fetch Xiao Wu and hadn't returned. Tang Hao guessed Tang San was training with Xiao Wu, planning to wait until she matured before coming out, which was wise.

Otherwise, with Tang San's knowledge of medicine, he could have judged whether the pills were safe. With no other choice, Tai Tan had the court physicians examine the pills, but they couldn't analyze them.

In the end, they chose the simplest approach: having someone with injuries as severe as Tang Hao's try the medicine. In three days, that person showed remarkable improvement—almost miraculous.

After all, it was truly a healing elixir: the Heart-Protecting Pill from the world of Immortal Sword. On this point at least, Tianlin wasn't tricking Tang Hao.

This also made Tai Tan view the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect in a new light—not everyone inside was evil; there were some good people. Bai Chenxiang, as a blood relative of his master, was just as kind as him.

Tang Hao, after taking several Heart-Protecting Pills, recovered most of his strength and couldn't help but sigh, "Uncle really cares about me. Because of me, his Speed Clan was targeted by Spirit Hall, yet he doesn't mind and even sent such precious pills to heal me. If Jun Tianlin learns of this, I fear Uncle will be harmed by him."

"He wouldn't dare!" Tai Tan said angrily. "Master, why not bring Old White Bird here? He's your kin—why should he stay under others at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?"

Tang Hao shook his head. "I've already invited Uncle, but he refused. Maybe he still cares for me, but he can't forgive the Clear Sky Sect. He probably only joined the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect because Spirit Hall forced him. Even if he wanted to leave now, the Seven Treasures might not let him go."

"In that case, if Old White Bird doesn't want to join the Clear Sky Sect, he could join Young Master San's Tang Army instead. He might agree to help Xiao San, and as the world's best scout, he'd be very helpful. As for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, we can think of a way to get them to let him go," Tai Tan suggested.

Tang Hao nodded. "That could work. After all, Xiao San is his grandson. If it's to help Xiao San, Uncle shouldn't refuse. He's the best scout in the world, and would definitely help."

Tang Hao knew how to use every available resource—in the past decade, he'd never cared about the Speed Clan, but now that he could use them, he was playing the family card.

In fact, Bai He wanted nothing to do with these two anymore, especially after learning that Niu Gao had been framed and killed because of Tang Hao. He was completely disappointed in Tang Hao.

This man only cared about his wife and child. For others, he was utterly cold-blooded, even to loyal subordinates.

"Your Excellency Tang Hao, Grandpa, I, Tai Long, have returned!" At that moment, Tai Long strode into the room.

"Tai Long, perfect timing. How did your investigation go?" Tang Hao asked.

"Yes. I've sent people to both the Star Dou Forest and Sunset Forest. There's no news from Star Dou, but a terrifying rumor has emerged from the Sunset Forest: a domineering black-haired, gold-eyed man with a cold face has appeared there, extremely strong, stopping people from hunting soul beasts. I heard a soul sage from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect who tried to advance to Soul Douluo was killed by him in one blow," Tai Long reported.

"It's him!" Tang Hao's pupils contracted. That description matched the monster who had once gravely injured him with a single strike.

So he'd left the Star Dou Forest for the Sunset Forest.

"It seems that man predicted I wouldn't dare return to Star Dou and is now lying in wait in the second-largest soul beast forest. Good thing I was cautious. If I'd met him again, I'd be dead for sure," Tang Hao said angrily.

He truly didn't know who that man was or why he hated him so much. If he wasn't so strong, Tang Hao would have fought him to the death.

"Thank you, Tai Tan and Tai Long. I owe you both."

"To serve my master is my honor," Tai Tan replied.

"As for Niu Gao, I must apologize. I was forced, and it was an instinctive reaction. As a father, I hope you understand my situation," Tang Hao said, recalling Niu Gao. He felt some guilt, but if faced with the same choice, he'd do it again.

What mattered now was keeping Tai Tan loyal, since he was far more important than Niu Gao. Niu Gao only built houses; Tai Tan led the Tang Army's hidden weapon division and forged nearly all weapons.

"Don't worry, Master. I've never blamed you—after all, it was Sword Douluo who really killed Old Rhino. If he were still alive, he'd understand. I believe we'll one day avenge him," Ta Ttan said, kneeling formally.

Such devotion was rare.

"With a brother like you, my life is complete," Tang Hao said, satisfied. "Now, let's discuss. Xiao San told me when he finds Xiao Wu, he'll train with her in seclusion until she matures. Meanwhile, we need to help him collect soul bones so he can cultivate his second martial soul, the Clear Sky Hammer."

"Yes, Master. Since that monster is now in Sunset Forest, are you planning to go to Star Dou Forest again?" Tai Tan asked.

Tang Hao shook his head. "No, that monster might return at any time. It's too risky. Aside from Star Dou and Sunset Forest, there are two other major soul beast habitats: the sea and the extreme north!"